Astros set to welcome fans at gates before series finale

HOUSTON -- At approximately 12:15 p.m. CT on Sunday, Astros players will venture to an area they're not accustomed to: the entrance gates. Players will be on hand to greet fans as they enter Minute Maid Park a little less than an hour before first pitch of the finale with the Angels.

Consider it a late-season goodwill gesture from the Astros to their fans, to thank them for their support this year and into the future.

"That's something that [club president] Reid Ryan has brought to the organization," manager Bo Porter said. "I think it's great to interact with the fans, and allow them to kind of feel like our players are open to coming up and greeting them.

"A lot of times they don't get a chance to get up close and personal with the players, because we're always on the field. So I think it's something great that the organization is going to adopt."

At the same time, the Astros will be hosting Dog Day at the ballpark, where fans will have an opportunity to walk their dogs around the warning track as part of the popular Pooch Parade.